Joseph E. Robach's posts related to Youth

On Friday afternoon, I had the privilege to take part in the annual School #9 Cookie Contest as a judge. There were a number of worthy entries! Great job by all those who took part in this annual holiday tradition!

Earlier today, I had the privilege to attend the annual North Clinton Tree Lighting. The event featured a parade, which included Santa Claus and students from Schools Number 9 and 20 in the City of Rochester. The event is sponsored by the North Clinton Business Association, along with support from Albert Algarin.

On Saturday, I had the privilege to take part in the WDKX 103.9 FM Share the Warmth annual holiday event. This event provides children the opportunity to pick up winter coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats that were graciously donated to WDKX. Thank you to all who helped make this event possible!

Earlier this morning, I had the privilege to take part in the Virgil I. Grissom School #7 Faculty/Guest vs. Students basketball game. I was joined by New York State Assemblyman Brian Kolb, along with faculty and staff from School #7. Prior to the game, I had the opportunity to meet with students in their classroom, and following the game, I met members of the school's basketball team. Great job by everyone this morning and great school spirit shown by all of the students in attendance!

Last night, I had the privilege to attend an event where the Greece Rotary recognized outstanding youth in our community. Congratulations to all the young men and women on your distinction and thank you for making contributions to our community. Best wishes and continued success for all you do inside, and outside, of the classroom! The young men and women are Joseph Miller, Vanessa Whitt, Kyle Besser, Julia Kostin, Patrick Barry, Nathan Christensen, Bianca Sansone, Elijah VanOrman, Jordan Coolidge, and Timmy Webster.

Yesterday morning, School #30 principal Jason Wertz and the rest of the faculty and staff of the school celebrated the success of its children in grades pre-K thru 6 who read 22,000 books from mid-October until mid-December. As past of the event, the students got a visit from the Rochester Fire Department and Principal Wertz was sent to the roof for the children to see! Congratulations to all of the students on this tremendous accomplishment.

On Wednesday afternoon, Changing the Community (CTC) held a ceremony to honor six local high school football players, who were a part of the organization's football camp, as they signed their letters of intent to play college football. The students honored were: Alex Officer of Eastridge High School who is heading to University of Pittsburgh; Chauncey Scissum of Rush-Henrietta High School heading to Syracuse University; Cullen Casey of McQuaid Jesuit High School heading to Old Dominion University; Qwaheem Marshall who played for Wilson Magnet and is heading to Gannon; Rod Stevens of Webster Thomas High School who is heading to Grambling; and Dan Leonard of Bath who is heading to West Liberty.

Recently, I had the privilege to help judge student poster submissions in the annual Prevention 1st Home Fire Drill Poster Conest. The posters were on display at the Memorial Art Gallery. Congratulations to the winners, and to all the students for their great submissions!

The New York State Senate today passed a package of bills cracking down on rapists and sex offenders by creating new crimes and increasing penalties.

Legislation (S.1459) sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos (R, Rockville Centre) ensures significantly longer prison sentences for serial rapists. Under current law, it is possible for a judge to issue concurrent sentences for multiple counts arising from separate and distinct acts of rape. The legislation would require consecutive prison sentences for each separate count of first-degree rape when an individual is convicted of multiple counts, keeping dangerous felons off the streets for as long as possible.